Monday, 16th June, 2014
Atletico Madrid are working hard to be able to afford Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla after receiving a positive signal from the player.
Los Rojiblancos had sounded out Cazorla over whether he would be interested in returning to Spain next season and the Arsenal star confirmed he would be open to the move.
However, affording Cazorla is tough for Atletico Madrid, as the Spanish international would be a big earner.
According to Spanish daily AS, Atletico Madrid are hoping Cazorla will accept less than he currently earns at Arsenal, thought to be €5m per year, especially as the Spanish champions will need to pay a least €20m to sign him from the Gunners.
The Vicente Calderon outfit recently saved €6m per season by allowing David Villa to join New York City FC, however a good chunk of that total went to Koke, who penned a new, improved contract.
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And while Atletico Madrid are determined to explore whether Cazorla is viable, they will not proceed if the numbers do not add up.
Cazorla clocked up 31 appearances for Arsenal in the Premier League last season, scoring four goals and providing eight assists.
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